The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-08-31
Potatoes in Dry Seasons.

Potatoes in Dry Seasons.
The potato crop is reported to be in
poor condition in most of the western
states, as the dry and hot weather has
been unfavorable to 1t. Tho potato
delights in cool and moderately moist
soil. Heavy dews and frequent rains
during the period in which the tubers
are forming generally insure large
yield of fine potatoes. Careful observers
have noticed this season that potato
fields where cut seed was planted are
looking very poorly. In many cases
no sprouts appeared above the surface
of the ground, and In others the vines
dried up and before any tubers were
formed. Cut seed parts with Its mois-
ture very readily. II Is absorbed by the
dry soil and manure with which it Is
surrounded. and is carried of by the
hot and dry atmosphere that circulates
through the ground. The escape Of
moisture is through the surface that Is
not protected by the natural covering.
If the skin is entire the potato may DO
exposed to the influence OF dry and
hot atmosphere and still retain most of
its moisture for considerable time.
Potatoes that have strong and perfect
skins do not become dry II subjected to
q heat that will thoroughly bake them.
When cooked and placed on the table
they still contain q large amount Of
moisture in the form of steam. This
escapes when the skin Is broken on the
plate, and it may be condensed so as to
form water by inverting a glass dish
over the potato. II potatoes were cut
in small pieces before they were placed
in the oven, as they frequently are be-
fore they are planted. nearly all the
moisture would escape from them dur
ing the process of baking. Cooks un-
derstand that cut potatoes must be
cooked In fat or water to prevent them
from becoming dry.
Potatoes cut IN pieces that contain
but a single eye, may be relied on to
produce vigorous sprouts in moist
season, especially IL they are planted
in rich soil. II the air and soil are dry,
however, they may fail to produce any
sprouts that will break through the
surface of the ground when they are
planted. Sprouts are formed from the
moisture and soluble substances In the
potato, and are supported by them
until roots and leaves are produced.
II this moisture is absorbed by the
dry soil or passes into the air, there is
nothing to form or support the sprouts.
Whole potatoes are better than pieces
for planting in dry season. AS before
shown, their skins will prevent their
moisture from escaping into the soil
and air, and win preserve 1t for form
ing and supporting stalks and roots.
Vigorous potato-vines. which in dry
season will only be produced from un-
cut seed. will cover tho ground and as
sist in keeping 1t moist and cool
These conditions Of the soil will be
favorable to the growth of vines and
tubers. Small and feeble vines. such
as will be produced from small
pieces, will leave the potato-hills
exposed to the action of the sun.
Potatoes that have been sprouted in
the cellar are not suitable for planting
in dry season. Much of their strength
is exhausted before they are put in the
ground. The sprouts already formed
will dry up and fall OF, and the
chances are that not enough moisture
will be left to produce and nourish new
ones. Potatoes that mature late are
better for planting. especially in q dry
season, like the present one, than those
that mature early. They are not like
ly to sprout in the cellar. and they re-
tain all their substance to form vigor-
Gus vines. During the past few years
farmers in the south have raised sec
ond crop Of the early varieties OF pota..
toes for the purpose of producing seed
t6plant the following spring. The sea-
sons there are long enough to admit OF
raising crop of potatoes If they ore
planted in August If the tubers are
not sufficiently ripe to use on the table
they furnish excellent seed, and there
is now quite o demand for the second
crop of southern potatoes for planting
north Of the Ohio river.
Weeds and grass should not DO allow
ed to grow on rows Of potatoes as they
take up moisture needed by the potato
plants, while they render digging diff
cult and expensive. A mulch Of green
grass or other cheap material is very
Beneficial to potatoes during dry and hot
weather. II helps keep the ground cool
and moist. u may be impractical to
apply such q mulch to largo field. but
q patch intended 70 produce potatoes
for q family may be covered with o
mulcb vithouk difficulty. That gypsum
or land plaster dropped |, the hill with
the seed. or placed among the sprouts
when they are first breaking ground,
assists potatoes in resisting the effects
of protracted drought has been MOTTO